Commissioned Yacht Paintings
Bespoke oil paintings of sailing yachts, motor yachts, and the boats you love.
A painting of your yacht
exactly as she looks when you're at the helm.
For Owners & Sailors
Your sailing yacht or motor yacht painted with accuracy from your own photographs. A personal oil painting built from your memories — the anchorage, the conditions, the moment you want to remember.
For Builders & Charter Companies
A statement piece for your office, a handover gift for a new owner, or an original artwork with full reproduction rights for marketing and merchandise.
For Friends & Family
The perfect gift for a yacht owner or sailor. We'll work together to include the details that make it personal — a favourite anchorage, a memorable race, the crew they sailed with. A boat painting they'll treasure.
Maiden wins the Ocean Globe Race
21″ × 24″ · Oil on canvasThe famous Maiden crosses the line in 2024
How's That
12″ × 16″ · Oil on panelA portrait of a yacht in Ocean Village marina, for the owner
Translated 9 and Maiden at the OGR Startline
20″ × 30″ · Oil on canvasRacing yachts Translated 9 and Maiden competing for the lead
Family Sailing Holiday
12″ × 16″ · Oil on canvas panelA Grand Soleil yacht at sea with the owner and family aboard
Your Experience
Four stages from first conversation to painting on the wall. You'll know what's happening at every stage.
Discussion
A friendly call or email about the yacht, the setting, and the size that suits. I'm happy to suggest what will work best if you're not sure.
Sketch & Approval
Compositional sketches from your photographs visualise the idea before any paint is committed. Nothing moves forward until you're happy.
Painting
Six to eight weeks in traditional oils, with progress photographs at regular intervals. You're welcome to comment at any point.
Delivery
Professionally framed, fully insured, shipped worldwide. Timed to your deadline if needed.
Whether you guide every detail or leave the composition entirely to me, the process works the same way. Some clients arrive with a favourite photograph and specific ideas. Others simply share the boat and enjoy watching the painting evolve. Both are completely fine.
Surface & Detail
Built up in layers of oil paint with visible brushwork, genuine texture, and the kind of physical presence that a photograph or print cannot replicate. From the sheen of varnished teak to the translucency of water breaking at the bow — every commission is a one-of-a-kind original.
Thank you Gregory! I'll contact you in some years with my next boat.
"I'm impressed with the professional way you approached the task with a desire to get it just right."Private Collector, UK
"Very straightforward process with an outstanding result."Private Collector, Switzerland
"It has arrived and is gorgeous!"Private Collector, USA
Each painting depicts a specific yacht — accurate in every detail — so the recipient will recognise their boat immediately. During our process, you can include personal touches only they would know: a favourite anchorage, a memorable race, the crew they sailed with.
I can composite the colour sketch and a frame into a photograph of your room so you can see exactly how it will look. I can also post you the physical colour study to test in your own light. Size guidance and framing consultation included as standard.
You Don't Need to Be an Art Expert
If you've never commissioned a painting before, you might be wondering how it works or what you're supposed to say. Most commissions start with a short email — often just a boat name and a couple of photographs.
There's no obligation to commit, and no question you should worry about asking. Get in touch, I'll talk you through how it works, and you can decide from there.
Gregory Smith
Gregory Smith is a marine artist based in Southampton. He's spent twelve years developing his practice in oils, but his connection to the maritime world runs deeper — six years working directly in the yachting sector, co-founding a creative company that served yacht builders and marine brands.
That sector experience shapes everything. He understands how boats are built, how they sit in the water, and how a thoughtfully commissioned painting becomes something a client treasures. A seven-time exhibitor with the Royal Society of Marine Artists, every painting is approached with a professional mindset: research thoroughly, get the details right, deliver on time.
Yacht Owners · Sailing Crews · Yacht Builders · Captains · Private Collectors
Ready to discuss a commission?
Whether it's a gift for someone who loves their boat, a personal piece to remember your best days on the water, or a handover painting for a new build — I'd welcome hearing from you.
Common Questions
What photographs do you need?
Ideally a few images from different angles — under sail or at anchor, in good light if possible. Phone photos are fine. If you don't have much, I can supplement from class imagery or builder's records.
Can you paint a yacht I no longer own?
Absolutely. Old photographs are usually plenty, or I can use General Arrangement plans to reconstruct the vessel.
Can you work to a deadline?
Yes — commissions are regularly timed to birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, and boat launches. Let me know the date and I'll confirm the timeline upfront.
Motor yachts as well as sailing?
Yes — motor yachts, sailing yachts, superyachts, classic boats, racing dinghies. The principles of painting vessels carry across all types.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Works are professionally packed, fully insured, and delivered worldwide.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit secures your slot, with the balance on completion. Formal quotations available on request.